Outreach Legal Advocacy Program - Tenancy Issues, BC Benefits, Family Law & More

Outreach Legal Advocate

About the Outreach Legal Advocacy (OLA) Program

The primary goal of this program is to ensure quality service delivery of legal advocacy for anyone needing assistance. If we can't help you with your legal issue, we will support you in connecting with the local Legal Aid office.

We also serve the community by:

Providing free legal information

Hosting seminars and workshops for the community on legal issues and the law

Providing access to booklets and pamphlets regarding a wide range of legal issues and rights

When you come to our office for legal assistance, you will complete an intake form and be interviewed by our Outreach Legal Advocate. Depending on your legal concern, we will:

Give you legal information, or

Help you complete a Legal Aid application, or

Refer you to another agency that can help you

In certain circumstances, if you are physically unable to come to the Center, our Advocate may be able to come to your home. This will be assessed individually.

Family Law:
Information relating to child support or family maintenance, etc.

Other issues may include:
Info on Criminal Law, Credit/Debit Law and Personal Bankruptcy, Native Law info, Mental Health legal issues and Refugee claims/Immigration Law. Make appropriate referrals when additional legal advice is needed.

If you are not sure you have a legal problem, call our office and ask us. If your problem does not fall into one of the areas listed above, we can provide some suggestions that might help you solve your problem without a lawyer.

When should I ask for assistance?

You should seek assistance as soon as you think you have a legal problem. It is important to get help with any legal problem you're having - as early as possible. For Example: If you have received an eviction notice, you have only 5 days to apply for an extension of time to pay your rent.

What should I bring with me to the Port Alberni Friendship Center?

Ideally, bring as much information as possible in the event that it will help us support you to the best of our ability or be able to guide you to other resources. Examples if what will help are:

You can get Legal Aid if:

If your income is above the limit, you may have to help pay for your lawyer. The amount you have to pay is based on your income.

What if I can't get Legal Aid?

You can be refused Legal Aid for these reasons:

Your income is too high

You have too many assets, or

Legal Aid does not cover your type of legal issue

Not everyone with a legal problem can see a lawyer, but we might be able to help you even if your problem is not covered by the Legal Aid rules. We may refer you to an agency that could help you or we may give you some legal information. If you are refused Legal Aid, you can also appeal that decision.

How do I appeal? Contact the Area Director or the Port Alberni Friendship Center for an appeal form.
We might be able to provide some suggestions that may help you to solve your problem without a lawyer.